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Rev. Dr. Harry Richard Johnson Click for Condolences      Printable Version 1942 - 2010 June 6, 1942 to June 6, 2010 Beloved husband, father, poppa, and friend, Rev. Dr. Harry R. Johnson passed away on June 6th at Alvarado Hospital, San Diego, California after a courageous battle with throat cancer. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy K.Johnson of Santee, CA; daughters, Kristi L.(Mike)and granddaughter, Abigail, of Roseville, CA, Jilan M. Hemmingsen (Rick- deceased) of Greenville, and Kimberly S. Johnson of Greenville. Harry is also survived by three brothers and a sister. He had a love for life, family, and music. Harry was a native of the northern New Jersey-New York City area and moved to Michigan in 1960 to attend college in Traverse City. He was a United Methodist Minister for over 40 years, serving appointments in the West Michigan Conference: Copemish/Brethren, Ashton/Bethel/Zion/Leroy/Luther, Barryton/Chippewa Lake, Ravenna, Empire, Battle Creek/Sonoma/Newton, DeWitt/Redeemer, West Ohio Conference/Grace and Greenville First United Methodist Church. He retired in 2007. He was a graduate of Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City where he received an Associate of Arts Degree and Grand Valley State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. He held two Masters degrees: a Master of Divinity from The Methodist Theological Seminary in Delaware, OH, and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. He was awarded a Doctor Of Sacred Theology Degree from the Jerusalem University Consortium, Jerusalem, Israel. Harry was very involved in the community at many levels. He served as chaplain to the Greenville Department of Public Safety, was a member of the Greenville Housing Commission, served on the Greenville Area Community Foundation Board at its inception, the United Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, and was a key motivator in the establishment of The Greenville Area Senior Center. He was a member of Spectrum Health United Memorial's (SHUM) Community Division of the Building a Better Future Together for the construction of the Hendrik and Gezina Meijer center at SHUM United Campus. He was a member of the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce and a past member of the Greenville Rotary Club and Greenville Country Club. Harry was a member of the Greenville Ministerial Association and along with other Pastors took leadership in securing funding for the Seasons of Life Chapel at SHUM United Campus. He was a past member of the Masonic Order and in San Diego was a volunteer driver for the Shriners program for ill children and their parents. Harry was frequently invited as a guest preacher and speaker at clergy seminars around the country. He lectured in the field of church administration and led preaching workshops. Harry was a world traveler and led many pilgrimages to Israel, the Holy Land, and other Middle Eastern and European countries. He enjoyed the friendships of many Israeli government and religious leaders. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 3:00 PM at the Greenville First United Methodist Church, Greenville.

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There are currently 27 condolences.

Zsolt Family Friday October 15, 2010 at 12:53 AM

We recently heard the news about Pastor Johnson. So sad to hear about his passing. While we rejoice in the One he is with, it is difficult for those of us that remain. We loved Pastor's spirit and kindness! He is missed.

The Rydahl's Tuesday August 3, 2010 at 3:15 PM

Judy and Girls, We are thinking of you all this week. We sure wish we could be there on Sunday. Please know that we are there in spirit! A courageous battle pretty much sums it up doesn't it? May Harry finally rest in peace! But boy will he be missed by many! Love and hugs, Paul and Tammy

Rev. Milton J. Ten Have mandmten@aol.com Monday August 2, 2010 at 3:43 PM

We wish to convey our sympathy to Harry's family. We met when we were appointed to Mesick, Harrieta & Brrethren churches in 1965. Since no provision had been made for the Brethren congregation when it was added to the parish, I asked Harry to continue another Sunday while we arranged the Sunday morning schedule. Later. we were able to minister to members of the opemish church when it closed. Folks always spokr highly of Harry. Years later, I was privileged to serve with Harry on a Conference board. May God grant you His comfort.

Chuck Smith Monday August 2, 2010 at 2:26 PM

Arlene and I were greatly saddened to hear of Harry's illness and death. When Harry was at DetwittI was at Gunnisonville and more recently when he was at Greenville I was near Rockford at Courtland Oakfield. I am now at Ravenna. We express our deepest sympathy.

Mary (Schippers-DeMunter) Soderholm Monday August 2, 2010 at 12:36 PM

Dear Judy and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of Harry's passing. I remember him fondly as a new pastor back in the 80's. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you experience the Grace that Harry often preached about. I am sorry I will not be able to attend but I shall think of you on Sunday as the Church celebrates his life of service.

Rev. Dr. Jim and Shari Gysel Monday August 2, 2010 at 11:25 AM

Dear Judy, Kristi, Jil and Kim and friends, You know that our love and prayers surround you at this time. We grieve that we are unable to be present because of a much overdue renewal leave that we are on at this time, but know that the service in Greenville will be a great celebration of Harry's life. He lives on in our all memories as well as in the eternal presence of the Lord he served in countless ways. Please remember we are with you in spirit, and call anytime. Love, Jim and Shari.

DAVID @ BETTY YORK Monday July 12, 2010 at 8:09 PM

Dear Judy and Family. We just heard about Harry. Please know that you are in our prayers. We think and talk of you and Harry often. Thank you for your time in Greenville. He will be missed.

HANSEN VISION CENTER Tuesday June 29, 2010 at 3:16 PM

WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY, HE WAS WONDERFUL INFLUENCE IN THE CITY OF GREENVILLE. DR. ROCKY HANSEN, DR. MANDY RUSSELL, DR. AMY DINARDO AND STAFF

Linda Sinclair - Women's Action Network Tuesday June 29, 2010 at 8:08 AM

On behalf of the Women's Action Network, We would like to express our sincere sympathy. The world has lost a very special someone. The heavens have gained a very special angel.

Jeff and Patti Frain Tuesday June 22, 2010 at 8:33 PM

So sorry to hear about the passing of Pastor Johnson! I always looked forward to seeing him whether it was at church or around town. He made our wedding very special 20 years ago and I remember great times spent during some New Years Eve parties he and his family attended at North Pointe Banquet Center when it was open. God Bless you and may he rest in peace.

Richard and Phyllis Joswick Thursday June 17, 2010 at 7:46 PM

Dear Judy and family, We have been blessed to have been married by Pastor Harry about 6 years ago. He made us feel that we were so very special on that day and that is why we have stayed with the congregation at First United Methodist Church ever since. May he rest in peace in the loving presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Denise Besson Sunday June 13, 2010 at 2:39 PM

Dear Judy and girls: I am so sorry for your loss. Harry will be greatly missed by all.

Terry & Susan Bellinger Friday June 11, 2010 at 6:40 PM

Dear Judy and Family, Please accept our deepest and sincere condolences. Harry's passing is a terrible loss to all that knew and loved him. Harry married my daughter Monica and Trevor, and a couple of years later Susan and me. We were married in the chapel of the church and we will never forget Harry telling all in attendance "We will perform the service as if we had 300 people here. Although the congregation is small, the message is still the same." In my opinion - profound - but wasn't that Harry? Harry especially enjoyed the fact I chose my Dad to be my Best Man and Susan chose my mother as her Matron of Honor. Go with God Reverend Dr. Harry R. Johnson. Terry and Susan Bellinger

Sylvia Warner Friday June 11, 2010 at 3:41 PM

Harry and Judy were such a blessing and good friends. Harry not only taught the Gospel, he lived it. And those of us who called him pastor and friend are the richer for it. May he rest in peace and in the loving presence of our Lord.

Jamie & Philippa Stanford Thursday June 10, 2010 at 4:47 PM

We are so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. I am very proud that he was the man who married us and baptized 2 of our 4 children. He made a huge impact in the lives of our family. I am happy for him to be with our Lord, but he will be missed so much.

Brad, Jen & Lauren Stauffer Wednesday June 9, 2010 at 9:50 PM

We feel so honored to have had Harry in our lives. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and man of faith. He will be terribly missed. We were lucky enough to have him perform Lauren's baptism in October 2005. That was truly a beautiful day. Made possible by Harry!

Tammy Hill Wednesday June 9, 2010 at 11:45 AM

I am so sorry for your loss, he was truly a wonderful caring person. He always had positive and encouraging words. He baptized my children, and was a very positive influence in their lives. He will always have a special place in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mike & Shirley Harris Tuesday June 8, 2010 at 11:16 AM

Judy and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Harry brought sunshine into every person's life. He was a big part of our much loved church life. God Bless You, Mike & Shirley Harris

Jeff and Becky Schlienz Tuesday June 8, 2010 at 10:15 AM

Our deepest sympathy on your loss. He made our wedding day so special 20 years ago. He will be sadly missed

smith Tuesday June 8, 2010 at 8:17 AM

Pastor Harry was a remarkable man. He baptized my husband and son then when he came home the summer of 2008 he baptized our daughter on our deck. We will always have great memories of him.

Monica Steinmeyer Tuesday June 8, 2010 at 7:55 AM

My deepest sympathy on your loss. I have alot of fond memories of your husband and father and may God Bless him.

Dani Perry Monday June 7, 2010 at 10:14 PM

Pastor Harry will be deeply missed by our family! Love and hugs to your family.

Gerry&Patti VanSyckle Monday June 7, 2010 at 9:45 PM

Our deepest sympathy to all. How blessed our family is to have known him. May he rest in peace.

Rey and Shelley Ramirez Monday June 7, 2010 at 8:17 PM

We were so sorry to hear of the loss of our friend, Pastor Harry. He was a wonderful man who touched the lives of so many. May your memories provide you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rey and Shelley

Jerry & Diana Surrell Monday June 7, 2010 at 6:03 PM

So sorry to hear of your loss, how fitting that it would be on his birthday, a beginning and end. I remember 18 years ago how he married us, and told us that he really enjoyed doing so on his birthday. I send my prayers your way. God Bless, Diana & Jerry

Ryon List Monday June 7, 2010 at 2:32 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. I thought a lot of Harry. He will be missed.

Carrie Harkness Monday June 7, 2010 at 12:58 PM

Kim and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad gave so much and I will always remember his great sense of humor and ability to always make you smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ty and Carrie

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